How to Keep Tomato Roots Cool

Tomato plants are easy to grow, but they do have their specific needs. They like their tops in the Sun and their roots in the shade. In very warm climates where daytime temperatures can soar to more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it is important to keep your tomato plant's roots cool. A healthy root system is critical for the tomato plant to flourish and deliver a bountiful harvest.

Organic mulch, such as dried grass clippings, straw, pine needles or dried leaves

Instructions

- 1
  Cut or pinch all your tomato plant's leaves and branches below the flush of leaves at the top of the plant.
- 2
  Dig a hole or trench deep enough to accommodate the tomato plant's stem. Set the plant in and bury it up to the top set of leaves with soil. This will cause the plant to produce lots of healthy roots from the underground stem. The soil remains cooler 5 inches or 6 inches below the surface during the heat of the summer.
- 3
  Apply a thick layer of organic mulch as soon as the soil warms up to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread dried grass clippings, straw, pine needles or dried leaves around, and up to, the stems of your tomato plants. All-natural mulches keep the soil cool, retain moisture and go a long way toward weed control.

Why Are My Potatoes Wilting?

Which Prickly Pears Are the Sweetest?

Growing Edibles